How much do hazardous materials removal workers make in Missouri in 2026?

Hazardous materials removal workers in Missouri earn a median of $59,120 per year, which works out to roughly $28.42 per hour based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. That figure sits in the middle of the range — entry-level workers are earning noticeably less, and experienced hands are pulling significantly more.

The 25th percentile — workers in roughly their first few years on the job or those in lower-paying segments of the trade — comes in at $41,590 annually, or about $20.00 per hour. That's the floor you're likely to see when you're starting out, working for a smaller contractor, or taking work in less specialized removal categories. The 75th percentile lands at $67,840 per year, or about $32.62 per hour. Workers at that level typically have several years of field experience, hold multiple certifications, and have moved into lead or supervisor roles on removal projects.

The spread between the 25th and 75th percentile is $26,250 per year. That's a meaningful gap — it tells you that experience, credentials, and the type of hazmat work you're doing all make a real difference to your paycheck.

The hazmat removal trade covers a wide range of work. Asbestos abatement, lead paint removal, mold remediation, and the disposal of industrial chemicals and radioactive materials all fall under this classification. Workers who are certified in multiple hazmat categories — particularly asbestos and lead, which require separate state licensing in Missouri — tend to command pay closer to or above the median. Workers handling more hazardous materials, such as those involved in nuclear decommissioning or chemical site cleanup, typically see the higher end of the pay scale.

Missouri requires workers performing asbestos abatement to be licensed through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). Lead abatement certifications are similarly regulated. Holding both credentials makes you more employable and typically moves your hourly rate up. If you're currently working in only one category, adding a second certification is one of the more direct ways to increase your pay within this trade.

Overtime is common in hazmat work, particularly when sites are under environmental compliance deadlines or when emergency remediation is needed after flooding or structural damage. Missouri sees significant demand for mold and flood remediation work along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Workers who are available for emergency callouts and weekend work can add substantially to their annual take-home beyond the base figures shown here.

Geographically, pay within Missouri tends to track with the size and industrial density of the metro area. St. Louis and Kansas City generate the most hazmat work — legacy industrial sites, older building stock with asbestos and lead, and active construction all drive demand. Workers based in those metros typically have more consistent work and better access to higher-paying commercial and industrial contracts. Smaller cities and rural areas can have slower pipelines, which affects both hours worked and annual earnings.

The BLS figures here are based on workers employed in the occupation — they don't capture self-employed abatement contractors or owner-operators who bill out at higher rates. They also reflect straight-time wages and don't include overtime premiums, per diem, or hazard pay, which can be meaningful on certain job types. Your actual annual earnings may differ based on how many hours you work and what your employer includes in your compensation package.

Some workers in this trade may be covered by a collective bargaining agreement — check with your local for current rates.

If you're looking to push your pay toward the 75th percentile and above, the clearest levers are: obtain and maintain multiple Missouri state certifications, pursue supervisory or project lead roles, target employers working on commercial and industrial sites rather than residential-only work, and position yourself for emergency and time-sensitive remediation projects where premium pay is more common. The data shows the ceiling is real — getting there is a matter of credentials, experience, and the type of work you're willing to take on.

All salary data on this page is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2025.